Villagers set up langars to feed protesting farmers in Punjab

Agitating farmers in Punjab may have earned the wrath of railways, authorities and passengers for disrupting train movement, but their <g data-gr-id="16">stir</g> has got support from the villagers who are feeding a large number of protesters squatting on rail tracks.

Villagers have set up community kitchens (langar) near protesting points to feed the agitating farmers, who are seeking higher compensation for the crops damaged in whitefly attack among others things. The locals are providing food to the <g data-gr-id="21">protestors</g>, among whom are elderly people as well as <g data-gr-id="22">youth,</g> so that they can continue with their stir to press the Punjab government to accept their demands.

"There is no worry for food. People from adjoining villages are giving us food which includes rice, vegetables, chapattis, tea, <g data-gr-id="18">karah</g> (Halva) and sweets like kheer, jalebis as well. What else do you need," BKU <g data-gr-id="19">Etka</g> (<g data-gr-id="20">Dakunda</g>) General Secretary, Jagmohan Singh said. Even policemen deputed at some places to maintain law and order are also partaking the 'langar' arranged by villagers, said a leader of farmers' outfit.

"Throughout the day, we are getting food from villagers," said the BKU Ekta leader. Protesters have erected tents in the middle of railway tracks at several places and have been squatting on it as part of their 'Rail Roko' agitation.